Plans to move Hammersmith and Fulham Council's call centre to Rochdale are being met with stiff opposition from workers.

The borough says when it shifts the telephone switchboard 160 miles north early next year it will save £150,000 annually.

But staff plan to hand out leaflets outside Hammersmith town Hall every Wednesday lunchtime to highlight their plight.

John Bryant, 53, is registered blind and has worked as a borough switchboard operator for more than 30 years. He said: "When the council told us what it was doing, I was absolutely gobsmacked. We were all shattered by it and we were left reeling.

"I don't think the council has thought this through and the fact they could do this to someone who is registered disabled leaves me so angry, I am practically speechless. I am disgusted with the management's attitude, it is a disgrace."

Unison representative Krissy O'Hagan said Mr Bryant was in tears when he received the news.

She added: "His support network, including his elderly father is here. He is four years off retirement and there is no way he can move to Rochdale.

A council spokesman the new centre will have more operators available during peak demand.

He added: "Current staff have the right to transfer but given the future location can opt for redeployment or redundancy instead. We have already met with and will continue to consult both staff and their representatives regularly on this proposal."